A Guide to Precious Metals in Jewellery
Discover the world of precious metals with our guide, which highlights the various materials used in our collections here at Bianca Jones Jewellery. Learn what makes a metal "precious" and how each type brings its unique qualities to jewellery.
What Makes a Precious Metal ‘Precious’?
Precious metals are rare, naturally occurring metals with highly desirable characteristics, making them ideal for crafting beautiful jewellery. Only eight metals are officially deemed precious: gold, silver, and the six metals of the platinum family (platinum, palladium, rhodium, ruthenium, iridium, and osmium). These metals are less reactive than base metals, meaning they can last for many years. Their rarity, luster, and ductile nature set them apart, giving them their special properties.
Golden Gold
Gold is one of the most well-known and cherished precious metals, used in jewellery since ancient times. Available in various colors and carats, gold's value is partly due to its rarity. Gold is a non-reactive metal, meaning it doesn’t tarnish, making it perfect for jewellery that lasts a lifetime.
Understanding Carats:
- 24ct Gold: The purest form of gold, containing 999 parts of gold per 1,000, with a hallmark of 999.
- 18ct Gold: Contains 750 parts of gold per 1,000, stamped with a hallmark of 750.
- 9ct Gold: Contains 375 parts of gold per 1,000, stamped with a hallmark of 375.
Gold is often alloyed with other metals to increase its durability and to create different colors. For example, alloying gold with copper results in rose gold.
Rosy Rose Gold
Rose gold, also known as pink or red gold, is created by adding copper to gold, giving the metal its signature rosy hue. The amount of copper used can vary, resulting in different shades of rose gold. This metal has recently seen a surge in popularity, becoming a trendy and romantic choice in modern jewellery.
Sterling Silver
Sterling silver is a classic choice, known for its affordability and timeless appeal. Sterling silver contains 92.5% silver, with the remaining 7.5% typically consisting of other metals to enhance its strength. Silver jewellery is hallmarked with "925" to indicate its purity. While beautiful, sterling silver is prone to tarnishing, so it requires regular care and cleaning to maintain its luster.
Perfect Platinum
Platinum is one of the most sought-after precious metals, prized for its rarity, strength, and resistance to tarnish. Platinum is often chosen for engagement and wedding rings due to its durability and timeless beauty. Heavier than gold, platinum offers a luxurious feel and is perfect for jewellery meant to last a lifetime.
When choosing your next piece of jewellery, consider the unique qualities of each precious metal to find the one that best suits your style and needs. Whether you prefer the classic appeal of gold and silver or the modern allure of rose gold and platinum, understanding these metals will help you make an informed decision. Remember, caring for your jewellery is key to preserving its beauty, so be sure to handle your pieces with love and care.
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